FOUNDATIONS FEST CALL FOR DIRECTORS

​CALL FOR DIRECTORS:

Foundations Fest 2026 is inviting new directors to help bring fresh theatrical voices to life in a supportive, low-pressure, community-minded setting. If you have been curious about directing, looking to grow your craft, or wanting a meaningful way to work with new writing- this is your invitation.

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Hosted by Theatre Aurora, Foundations Fest is a one-day late-summer festival of staged readings featuring short, unpublished works by local playwrights. It is built to connect writers, directors, actors, and audiences through collaboration, creativity, and the excitement of hearing new stories on their feet.

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A selection of plays will be shared with prospective directors once the short list of directors is decided by the Foundations Fest team.

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​WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• First time and aspiring directors with different kinds of experience

• Experience in acting, stage management, writing, teaching, producing, or other creative roles is an asset

• Strong instincts and a love of story

• Willingness to try something new

• Collaborative / Organized / Imaginative

• Interested in helping develop new scripts

**Preference may be given to new or emerging directors

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WHY DIRECT AT FOUNDATIONS FEST:

This is a chance to direct without the weight of mounting a full production.

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Foundations Fest is designed for new directors who want to focus on storytelling, character, pacing, voice, and collaboration. It is an ideal entry point for first time directors, and a rewarding creative opportunity for theatre artists who want to engage with new work in a more intimate and exploratory way

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WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Selected directors will:

• facilitate auditions

• create and manage a rehearsal schedule

• lead a small cast of actors

• direct a staged reading of a short play or excerpt, up to 20 minutes in staged length

• collaborate with the playwright as part of the rehearsal process

• take part in tech week, August 17 to 22, 2026

 

Because these are staged readings, the work is intentionally streamlined. The emphasis is on the script and the performances, not on elaborate technical demands, costumes, or large-scale staging.

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WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:

Foundations Fest offers directors:

• mentorship from experienced Theatre Aurora creatives

• rehearsal space at Theatre Aurora

• basic stage lighting for the festival presentation

• a supportive environment to experiment, learn, and lead

• the opportunity to collaborate directly with a playwright

• the chance to help shape a new festival centred on local artists and new stories

 

This is a volunteer position.​